“Amazon.com on Wednesday jumped into the crowded world of video-streaming devices by announcing the Fire TV, a $99 set-top box,” Salvador Rodriguez reports for The Los Angeles Times.

“The Amazon Fire TV will now go head to head against the Apple TV, the Google Chromecast and four Roku devices,” Rodriguez reports. “These devices allow users to stream video and audio content from the Internet onto TV sets with HDMI ports.”

Rodriguez reports, “Here’s how the four company’s stack up in various areas…”

Thank You for supporting MacDailyNews!

26 Comments

The Apple TV is great in it’s own right, but it would be even better if it could play games from their App Store…and stick it to M$ at the same time! Apple should have a joint partnership with Sega to make a games console. It’s like revenge for ripping off the Dreamcast, and making what really was just Windblows XP for Consoles. And it would give Apple a chance to really do gaming right. Their previous joint venture with Bandai wasn’t all that great to be honest, but I believe in second chances!

I have to agree: Why not turn Apple TV into a full blown iOS device? It’s running on what is essentially iOS already.

I can think of a few couple limitations, some of which I’ve jabbered about here previously. But they can be solved. I get the idea it has to do with licensing and the Media Oligarchy laying down the limitations. But I really don’t understand. Apple has such a HUGE IN already with the Apple TV being iOS app/game/media capable. Put it to work already! Go full throttle Apple!

@Derek, I share that feeling of impatience with Apple. The impatience reminds me when we all felt Apple should make phone and all we heard was rumor and speculation. I sincerely hope we soon feel the awe and relief when the new products and upgrades are announced.

The current iPod touch is already optimised to be a remote touch interface but some are too dumb to notice, they just assume that it’s a stripped-down iPod.

Obviously it has a touch screen, but it also only has a front camera ( essential for gestures and FaceTime ) and only has a fairly small amount of storage. It’s priced affordably too.

It looks to me as though the leadership at Apple are doing what Apple has always done. They are quietly putting all the pieces in place without making a fuss and then there will come a moment when a key product ( new version of Apple TV, together with new services ) is released and it all comes together.

Some thoughts:
– I have this incredible Apple trackpad beside me, the Magic Trackpad, that can easily work with the Apple TV for manipulating the interface. Why not incorporate the standard gaming buttons onto it as well? It can be the ‘touch screen’ for iOS games. It’s already possible for me to use the touch screen on my iPod Touch for that purpose.
– Using Siri is a problem because of ambient room noise. So why not use the gaming trackpad with incorporated noise canceling microphones? Then you’re not shouting across the room at the Apple TV to give commands. You’re talking to what’s as far away as your hand.

And so forth. There are ways to make it work. The great little minimalist Apple TV remote isn’t it.

When I first saw this advertised on the front page of Amazon, I thought it seemed like a ripoff of Apple TV. But Fire TV has the game controller, so I’m wondering if they’re trying to rip off the XBox One? Or maybe the Ouya?

The voice search and ability to play games seems like nice features. Competition is fine, I’m not worried about Apple TV — I don’t know what Apple has planned for that little black box but its probably coming soon so I guess we’ll see. In the meantime, if you’re an Amazon Prime member and don’t already have an Apple TV, this box might work out well for you.

The reviewer missed a glaring feature of the Apple TV. iTunes Radio which Roku, Chromcast, and Amazon TV don’t have plus NPR radio. The Apple TV clearly has more flexibility and better content. And soon hopefully even more.

Apple has a great new Apple TV in the wings. The problem is, when they planned the role out, Comcast came in and spoiled the show. This was supposed to to have been their late winter early spring announcement, but we will just have to wait a little longer. (this is all speculation)